Until
recently, researchers believed that genetic factors were the primary
cause of autism. But a recent study found that environmental
factors-which include conditions in the womb and parental age-are just
as significant in causing the disorder. With a condition that is
approximated to affect one percent of the developed world, this new
information could prove critical. The first story discusses
this new discovery. The ones that follow discuss a social aspect of this
developmental disorder-learning to accept children with autism.

A
new study of twins suggests that environmental factors, including
conditions in the womb, may be at least as important as genes in causing
autism.

The researchers did not say which environmental influences might be at work. But other experts said the new study,
released online on Monday, marked an important shift in thinking about
the causes of autism, which is now thought to affect at least 1 percent
of the population in the developed world.

If my calculations are right, this is just about the time of the
summer that parents of school aged children are feeling a teensy bit
desperate. If you are looking for things to do to build fun and
structure into your summer, read on.

Shannon des Roches Rosa who is, among other things, the iPad for
autism queen, has also mastered the art of taking her three children,
including her son Leo, who has autism, on excursions.

Those of us in the autism community speak often of autism acceptance.
While there is much emphasis on autism awareness, many of us feel that
awareness matters little without the acceptance that hopefully follows.

We strive for acceptance in our children's schools, playgrounds,
families and in society in general. But what about the place where it
can be hardest to create acceptance—in our own hearts and minds?